It has been awhile since we have been in touch and haven't you enjoyed this nice long break from going to City Hall?

Last week, the new president of ASA, John Ferrata, and I met with Council Member Mike Sullivan. He came to John's shop and spoke frankly to us. Also there, was Byron Rusk, ASA's Vice President. Technically, I am no longer on the board but having been involved with this issue from the beginning, I am still committed!

You need to read this carefully and think long and hard about what I am going to tell you.

Do you remember growing up how our parents taught us to be prepared for a rainy day? To save and plan for the unexpected? That is what I want you to do. Prepare.

Council Member Sullivan came to warn us. Chapter 8 is not dead. It's like a snake hiding in the grass waiting for the right moment to strike. While the Administration will not tell you or Council Member Sullivan to his face that they are working on it, they are. He has seen evidence of redlines on Chapter 8 circulating at the mayoral level. It is not gone and forgotten. I wish more than any you that this was not the truth.

We must be prepared to stop running our businesses at moment's notice to help our industry.

What does preparation look like?1. Have your customers sign the petitions. Keep those petitions on the front counter. Take the time to educate your customers.2. Meet/call/ write with your own council member NOW. Don't wait for the mayor to put this on the agenda. Build the relationship.3. Meet with our 5 AT LARGE Council members: Jack Christie, Stephen Costello, Melissa Noriega, Brad Bradford, Andrew Burks.4. Be financially prepared.5. Attend our next ASA meeting on September 11 for a private update at 5:30 p.m. at the Spaghetti Warehouse.

When this appears on the agenda, we MUST show en masse (200 people) at City Hall.

I can't tell you when that will be. You must watch the agenda on Friday afternoons.

I also ask if you hear anything, please don't hesitate to call me. I know all of you personally. Many of you have become friends to me as well as to one another even though we are in different aspects of the automotive business. Our past success has been due to these relationships. Let's keep them strong by staying in touch and staying united.